Today is the twentieth anniversary of the official opening
of the first bridge across the Mekong River, from Nong Khai in Northeast
Thailand to Thanaleng just south of Vientiane in Laos.
I had the honour and pleasure of chairing the tri-nation
steering committee during the first three years of its life – from the establishment
of the committee until the inauguration of construction, and I made a point of
attending the official opening on 4 April 1994. Here are some of the photos:
View of the carriage-way just prior to the opening
Guard of honour awaiting the arrival of VVIPs
Australian Ambassador Michael Mann with wife Monique
and Lao Vice-Minister (L) and Minister (R)
Lao military awaiting the arrival of their President
Arrival of President of Laos
President of Laos and King of Thailand seated for ceremony
Paul Keating with Lao Prime Minister Khamtai Siphandong
With my Lao colleague Vice-Minister Seune Phetsanghane
With my Thai colleague Mr Singh
Some of the key players including Janet Holmes à Court, whose company John Holland constructed the bridge,
and Lao Minister Madam Khempeng Pholsena
View of the bridge
No comments:
Post a Comment